The long journey home
We left at 7pm on Tuesday night and drove all night! We stopped once at midnight to feed the boys, grab a burger, gas and restroom and then hit the road again. We stopped once more in Mobile for gas and bathroom and then we pulled into Crestview, Fl at 4am. The boys only woke up once the entire way! Justin's parents met us at the door. The boys went right down in their pack and plays and slept so good. Justin and I were exhausted after being up all night so we went to bed too. The grandparents didn't mind at all watching the boys while we slept :-)
On Wednesday afternoon, we went over to introduce the boys to Grandma Jones. Justin's grandmother hadn't met the boys yet so we were so happy for her to finally get to meet them.
After spending an afternoon visiting there, we headed back to the Riley's to meet up with Justin's sister and her husband Preston. Justin's parents (aka Paula Deen) made an amazing meal straight from the most recent issue of Paula's Magazine. The paella and San Antonio squash casserole was amazing!! So was getting to visit with them and catch up. Hard to believe we hadn't seen Lauren and Preston since Christmas. They gave the boys the cutest Havianas ever. Boys are ready for some serious beach! 
On Thursday we headed up to the Riley cabin in Gantt to spend some time by the lake. I actually got some sun! The boys enjoyed their afternoon slathered in sunscreen :-) they chilled in their bouncers under an umbrella enjoying the beautiful spring day with a breeze. It was a perfect afternoon.
Thursday evening we headed over the Nana and Papa Riley at their home in Gantt. They met the boys for the first time too! We feasted on David's catfish and 14 layer chocolate cake. We spent the night with them and I know they had a great time getting to know the boys. I love the picture of Eli looking at Papa on the bottom. I look at him like that too! It looks like he is "pulling his leg" :-)
Friday morning, Justin went fishing and I took the boys to get spring portraits done with my sister Gracie. The boys wore the cutest seersucker shorts and hats. She made them with real bunnies and the boys weren't sure what to think about the little rabbit. I can't wait to get the proofs. After an afternoon nap, we moved our party up the road to my parents. We spent the afternoon with the Roberts family. Hanging out with their zoo and my brother. Love this picture of my brother singing to Eli. He went right to sleep holding his bunny with a smile on his face.
Friday night, the "adults" including Justin, me, Lauren, and my best friend Julie headed over the Half Shell in Troy to hear my brother play. We had a great time. My grandmother Ma and Dave met us over there. I saw SO many friends that I haven't seen since we left Alabama.
Saturday morning came early and we spend the morning taking care of the boys and getting ready for the Sip and See (more on that later). Sunday was Easter and it was a special day to have all the family together (more on that later :-)
Sunday evening we packed our bags, babies, and dogs and headed back to Texas. We had an overnight stay in Baton Rouge (we were exhausted) so the boys got to stay in a hotel for the first time. They slept great there too. After a few stops and traffic we arrived back in Houston at 2:00 on Tuesday. Exhausted. 5 states in 5 days. I need a vacation :-)
Love,
The Riley's